TMEIC introduces mobile charging system to electrify diesel port cranes

TMEIC’s US subsidiary has unveiled a mobile charging system aimed at accelerating the shift from diesel to battery-electric power for rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes at port terminals. The solution, named E-Tanker, combines a mobile lithium-ion battery charging unit, high-energy battery blocks, and a charging station, all managed through TMEIC’s intelligent Fleet Management System (FMS). Encased within a standard 40-foot container, the E-Tanker can be easily transported and integrated into existing port operations, offering flexibility and scalability by serving multiple cranes from a single unit. The design of the E-Tanker addresses common challenges faced by terminals seeking electrification without major infrastructure changes. Its compact battery blocks are compatible with current RTG cranes, allowing operators to avoid costly and disruptive yard redesigns or grid upgrades. This approach preserves terminal capacity and uptime, enabling a smoother transition to electric power. The integration with TMEIC’s FMS provides real-time monitoring of battery charge levels, job assignments, and charging schedules, which helps optimise operational efficiency and asset utilisation across the terminal. Suraj Mishra, Business Development Manager at TMEIC, emphasised the environmental and operational benefits of the system, noting that diesel-powered RTG cranes can account for up to 75% of a terminal’s fuel consumption. He highlighted that traditional electrification methods, such as cable reels and bus bars, often conflict with yard layouts and require significant civil engineering work, causing extended downtime. In contrast, the E-Tanker offers a rapid, cost-effective alternative that minimises disruption and supports terminals in achieving their decarbonisation goals more swiftly. The introduction of the E-Tanker marks a significant step forward in the electrification of port equipment, reflecting broader industry trends towards sustainable logistics and reduced carbon emissions. By enabling terminals to adopt battery-electric RTG cranes without extensive infrastructure modifications, TMEIC’s solution could accelerate the adoption of cleaner technologies in ports worldwide. As terminals increasingly prioritise environmental performance, innovations like the E-Tanker are likely to play a pivotal role in the future of electric motorsport and heavy-duty industrial applications.